ESKISEHIR, TURKEY – In a shocking episode, a teenager armed in a helmet and bulletproof vest carried out a stabbing attack on five people near a mosque in Eskisehir, northwest Turkey, before being apprehended by police. The attack was broadcast live on social media by the 18-year-old perpetrator, who had affixed a camera to his vest.
This bloodcurdling incident took place on Monday when the victims were relaxing following prayers at a local mosque. Several men were seen crying as they were stabbed from behind in the live video, which was circulating widely on Tuesday. After a police chase, the assailant, identified as Arda K., was arrested.
In footage of the aftermath, the assailant can be seen lying on the ground surrounded by onlookers as men remove his bulletproof vest. Another video shows him lying with his hands behind his back, with an ax strapped to his vest. Alongside the knife, the assailant was also carrying an ax, although there was no indication that it was used in the attack.
The five victims were admitted to the hospital, and two were reported to be in serious condition. Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed the launch of an investigation into the attack.
Meanwhile, various media sources have reported speculations that the assailant might have been influenced by a particular video game.